November 17, 2008 – Welcome to Crushville, population 15,000. Playing well into their third decade, Metalllica brought the pummel-fest as the World Magentic Tour came to the big house of the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.
James Hetfield and crew brought the sonic destruction to a legion of fans, from die-hards sporting shirts that dated back to the Reagan administration to youngsters who may well have been throwing up the devil horns for the very first time.
Photographer’s Notes:
I don’t know about you, but for big shows like this, I shoot a lot. I enter arena-mode and start cranking. Like 2-3 times as much as I might for a normal three-song shoot.
The band played in-the-round on the floor of the arena. When I saw the stage from the media-holding area at the edge of the floor, I was a little surprised that it wasn’t larger.
Overall, the size was relatively manageable, especially considering that the first-three songs seemed to stretch out for a good 15-20 minutes.
The first song started out in almost complete darkness, with singer James Hetfield lit by a constrasty uplighting and a background lattice of green lasers. This initial lighting scheme made picking on a subject an automatic decision, since Hetfield was the only action in town.
The second and third songs gave way to beautiful white light, with various tints thrown in during their duration, but nothing too bad. The second song of this set was essentially pure, abundant white light and the easiest to shoot. Overall, great lighting.
Needless to say, the choosing a subject was made much more difficult in the second and third songs, with one subject multiplying to four – and not just four in one place or side, but scattered all over the sprawling stage.
Microphones were set up at 10-12 stations around the perimeter of the stage, and Hetfield made the rounds for his vocal duties. The other members of the band also covered plenty of stage, though not to an unreasonable degree. Despite large monitors forming at the edge of the stage, there were generally large enough gaps that they weren’t terribly problematic.
Naturally, drummer Lars Ulrich was in the most stationary position, seated at his kit at the center of the stage, and acted as the one constant during the first three songs.
I shot this performance with the Nikon D3 and D700, using the 24-70mm f/2.8, 14-24mm f/2.8, and 70-200mm f/2.8. Of these three, the 24-70mm was the most utilitarian, though that didn’t stop me from trying to stick the 14-24mm on as much as possible.
The 70-200mm f/2.8 was the least used of the three, but did come in handy for tighter shots of James Hetfield and for picking up Lars Ulrich. With the exception of Ulrich, the band was relatively close most of the time, so shorter focal lengths excelled in this shoot.
As an aside, Metallica have one of the most massive photo passes I’ve ever seen. As a fellow photog suggested, “They might as well have given us t-shirts.” I think Metallica’s pass even beat’s that from The Police, which was previously the reigning champ in my stack.
Update:
Here’s a shot of the enormous photo pass from the show, alongside some other passes for reference:
The Morrissey pass (third from the left) is what most concert photographer’s would recognize as a regularly-sized pass. One size up, and there’s the pass for The Police’s 2007 reunion tour, which was previously the biggest pass I’d received.
The Metallica pass weighs in at about 2.5 times as large as the standard. It’s a little bigger than my Nikon D3. I’ve also included Interpol’s press pass for their 2007 tour as references to show the full spectrum.
End Notes:
This set was fun. And by fun, I mean awesome.
This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 18th, 2008 at 3:23 am and is filed under Music Photography and tagged with 2008, death magnetic, hard rock, heavy metal, James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, Lars Ulrich, live, metallica, music photography, photography, Robert Trujillo, tour, world magnetic. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
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Great serie.
I have a question: did you use the flash for the pics n°4 / 22 / 40 ? These are my favorites!
Hey Sophie! No flash was used during this set, it was not allowed.
40, yikes – I think this is the most images I’ve embedded in a post, hope this page wasn’t super slow to load!
Thanks for the picks.
Dude, this set is stunning! The shots of Rob in particular are really great, got a shot of the photo pass also?!
Hey Ramsey! Thanks for the comment. I will try and take a snap of the huge pass tomorrow.
As for Trujillo, he was an incredible subject. When I was doing research for this show, I noticed a lot of images of him in some galleries, and I wasn’t sure why. Now I know. It’s because he’s a monster on stage.
Even as the newest member, Robert Trujillo puts on a tremendous performance that really does steal a bit of the show from the more senior members.
Holy mother of pearl these shots are incredible. Especially that close up on Hetfield. That looks like almost like a staged, portrait shot. Incredible work here, Todd. I’m blown away. You’ll have to let me know if any of these get published.
And I’m definitely interested in seeing the Photo Pass as well.
Hey Brian, thanks very much! I really had fun with this show – it’s really energizing to photograph such a band as Metallica, and I shot a lot. Hopefully these images will see some circulation.
I’ll definitely try to take a snapshot of the photo pass along side a regularly sized one. It’s nothing flashy other than it’s size – just a black cloth sticker with “PHOTO” reversed out of it in large letters and then the tour info.
Thanks again for the comment.
These are great, although I do not have a full frame body [canon 30D] I would really love a fisheye/wide angle L series lens.
Nice shots from the show, I really hope to get a media pass to this show when they tour Australia in 2009.
Hey Kylie,
I hope you get credentials for this tour, I’d love to see what you can do. This tour is basically one big photo op.
I’ve really been loving the ultra-wide, I have to say. It just creates a perspective that can pop with the right subject!
[...] · Reply · View toddowyoung: Images from tonight’s (yesterday’s?) show: http://ishootshows.com/2008/11/18/metallica/ 2008-11-18 09:26:17 · Reply · View toddowyoung: At almost 3:30am, it’s way [...]
Well done bro! I must say, this is perhaps your Best ‘Big House’ set, at least my favorite. You should send the lighting tech a bottle of Scotch. So many of these duplicate the effects of when you use your remote flash set up, it’s scary. With the In the Round stage, was the pit arranged in a 360 like we had for Lil Wayne? Also, when you take the shot of the photo pass, also take one of your earplugs.. curious what melted foam and plastic looks like:-)
I’ll look forward to seeing these in the booklet when they release a live cd from this tour, these captures deserve to be there.
Hey Kenny,
Thanks very much for the comment. I wish I could have been shooting with you for this one.
You’re right, I do owe the lighting tech big time. The first song was a little worrisome, considering it was mostly just Hetfield and green lasers, but the second some was spectacular.
It’s funny you mention flash, because ultimate, the lighting for this tour is the sort of look I’d love to achieve on a consistent basis. It’s not going to happen at smaller venues, but I guess we can dream, right?
This show had a 360 stage that was larger than the one for Lil Wayne, but the good thing about it was that the clearance to the barrier was much larger. Also, the band basically only played to two sides. It still meant a lot of running around, but wasn’t too bad.
Thanks again, Kenny.
You
are
my
hero.
This set is amazing.
Hey Nathan!
Ha, thanks very much. :)
How did you not just park yourself in front of Trujillo all night? All great shots, but the shots of Rob are especially killer! And check him out rockin’ the old Ric 4003!
Awesome work, you lucky bastard!
Hey Steve,
You know, it was really hard not to just photograph Trujillo. He’s a magnetic subject. I went in thinking I’d spent a lot of time with Hetfield (and I did), but I thought that Robert was easily the most photogenic subject on stage, all seniority aside.
Since he didn’t have any vocal duties, Truijillo was free to just unleash the monster, which he did at each and every opportunity at the edge of the stage.
Thanks for the comment.
Great set Todd! Love the wide angles shots of Trujillo and the one shot of Hetfield doing his best Tom Waits impression haha (this one).
Hey Bryan, thank you. I had a blast with this one.
I love literally every photo in the set, the ones of Rob’s hair flinging, especially. And the last one of James… and the blue one of Lars… It was definitely worth the lack of sleep to edit this right away.
I’ll be shooting this tour with a P&S, from row six :)
Images from tonight’s (yesterday’s?) show: http://ishootshows.com/2008/11/18/metallica/
Thanks very much, Tasha, I really appreciate it. Rob’s hair whips were a epic. You’re in for a treat, this was a phenomenal show – I’m sure your shots with your p&s are going to put many DSLRs in the pit to shame.
Congrats, Todd. Awesome!
Hey Jon, thank you!
Amazing.
All of them. I love everything about them.
I know your shots are always awesome, but you just managed to top yourself : )
Hi Margarita, thanks very much. Glad to hear you enjoy this set!
these pics are REALLY some of your best, in my opinion :))
Didier.
Hey Didier,
Thank you. It felt great to photograph this show, I hope you get a chance to see these guys in Europe.
This entire set is incredible, now my favourite work of yours. I agree that the Rob shots are great, but James makes for a great subject. The shadowy headshot is awesome – a rare opportunity, I would guess.
I’m constantly blown away by the Nikon sensors, too – their range is fantastic. Since I also have a 30D and no full-frame capability, I can’t wait to get my 5D MkII to see how it stacks up. Naturally I won’t have the same opportunities as you, but dare to dream.
I’m glad to hear you had so much fun shooting them. I imagine there are shows that you’re indifferent about, so when you get a shoot that’s fun, it makes it much easier to get the killer shots. Metallica fans appreciate your talent – here’s hoping some of these get used in print/online.
Hey Doug,
Thanks for the kind words, glad to hear you enjoy this set. If I had to pick two, Robert and James were the prime subjects for this show.
When you get the 5D Mark II, I’m sure you’ll love it.
You’re right – not all shows are created equal. Some are just a job, others a pleasure. Metallica was certainly the latter.
Hey bro, this set is positively incredible. I can’t believe how close you were. totally. insane. congrats.
Hey Chris, thank you. With the low stage, we really could get quite close – closer than many club shows, even.
I found this to be one of the easiest shows I have shot and from the looks of it yours went off without a hitch as well. Good stuff.
Hey Jim! Great to hear from you. I haven’t forgotten about your site, by the way, I will hit you back with feedback soon.
I agree, this show felt like shooting fish in a barrel. Great lights, great production, and great subjects – what more could we ask for?
I was just turned on to your site by a friend of mine. You work is astounding. I am shooting Metallica tonight in Tulsa and really don’t have much experience with the big ‘bright’ arenas. What setting did you use for these? ISO and aperture really. Thanks. Also, how big is that pass? You have made me very curious..lol.
Hey Kevin,
I’m sorry I couldn’t respond to your comment, but I hope your shoot went well. Let me know how it was, I’m sure you did fine!
Wow, so Todd, you have a brother in the same field? Cool. I noticed you can’t borrow each other’s lenses… :)
Awesome shot’s man. I noticed you’ll be shooting Gwar, ever seen them live? It’s been a few years since I’ve seen them, but if much hasn’t changed, that weather proofing on the d3 is a must…
Hi Jon,
Yes, my brother Chris is also a music photographer. He’s a heck of a shooter, too.
We can’t borrow each others lenses just yet – maybe when he switches back to Nikon where he belongs.
I haven’t seen Gwar – that show isn’t confirmed, but it’s a possibility. I’ll have to remember my poncho.
These pics are f-in amazing! I got to see them for the first time at Ozzfest this year and was blown away by them!!! I’m so insanely jealous of you and the access you had! GAH! I wish I could do this!!! Great shots though! They were amazing. I love the one of James Hetfield snarling into the mic! That was f-in epic!!! :D
[...] Forget it… everyone should just go look at Todd’s glorious photos of Metallica http://ishootshows.com/2008/11/18/metallica/ 2008-11-19 03:20:48 · Reply · View TwitterDoodle by The Lessnau Lounge This [...]
Hey Candace,
Thanks very much, glad to hear you enjoy this set. I wanted to knock this one out of the park for the fans.
I can’t stand Metallica but this set, Todd, is mind blowing!
I could recognize your style among 1 thousands conceret photographers! fantastic stuff
ciao
Valerio
[...] plus intéressants comme ce photographe qui twitt qu’il dérush ses clichés pris dans un concert de Metallica, et du coup je tombe sur son site où il y a une sacrée belle série de galeries “live [...]
Forget it… everyone should just go look at Todd’s glorious photos of Metallica http://ishootshows.com/2008/11/18/metallica/
Hi Valerio, thanks for the kind words! Glad to hear these work for you, even if you’re not into the band.
Remember the prints I wanted from Slipknot? I should now reconsider my request for this is trully the kings, the band that I listen since I was 9 years old and always looked up and wished for them to relish us with one more album or one more song.
Great job on those pictures todd, I could even do closer to the work you did as I would put the wheater seals of the D3 and lens to work with all the drool… :P
Best Regards,
from the Comunication Theory Class… ;)
Hey Celso, nice to hear from you, thanks for the comment. Glad you like these shots, I hope I did justice to your guys!
We’ll get you prints, don’t worry.
Todd — As always, these are awesome! I love #12 with the wide angle of James and Lars. You do a great job conveying the moment and your own vision with these shots. Amazing!
Let me start off by saying: Holy shit. You. Are. Re. Diculous. Craziest set ever!
Interesting layout — was it similar to Lil Waynes, then? It worked really well — these are some of the best shots I’ve seen, I think. Granted, I’m sure the multiple spotlights helped with that.
Picks: 3, 4 – probably one of my favorites with the angle and light, 5, 14, 15, 16, 21 – cool exploration of negative space within the photograph, 22, 27 – sick close up with shadows and expression, 30, 33, 36, 40. 40?! Really. Christ, man. Those long, wet, hair whipping photos are CRAZY. Love this set, end of story.
You did more than justice to them that you can even imagine for a fan like me! I really, really love the band, almost aas much as I love your photographs. For me your one of the true masters when it comes to live performances…
Best regards from Portugal!
Amazing set, Todd, as usual.
I love all shots, but Rob’s ones are great (he’s so expressive when playing).
My absolute favs: 4 (rob’s first) | 22 (rob again) |27 (James in the shadow)
Cheers, and thanks for sharing :D
Daniel
Amazing set Todd, as usual.
All shots are great, but Rob’s ones have something more. They capture his whole crazy attitude when playing and that adds something more to them.
My personal favs:
4 (rob’s first) || 22 (rob again) ||27 (James in the shadow)
Just amazing. Cheers and thanks for sharing :D
Daniel
Simply an amazing set. I am always amazed at how well you manage the shadows and high contrast without completely blowing out the rest of the scene. This shoot looks like it was an awesome, high energy 3 song set.
I finally got around to taking a snap of the huge photo pass for Metallica’s World Magnetic tour. In the updated post: http://is.gd/8iJy
Wow great series Todd…worthy of the amount of response you have got here haha, crazy
Not sure when they are due in Australia but I’ll be extremely pissed if I missed out, all comes down to whether they accept agencies (always the same question) – need to get myself picked up by some form of newspaper/magazine!
again, kudos!!
Breathtaking, and very inspirational. I get to shoot these guys in march and i would be lying if i said i wasnt scared lol it will be my first huge gig. Hopefully the lighting will be as awesome as this show :)
Hey Randy,
Glad to hear you like these, thanks very much for the kind words.
Hey Chris,
Thanks for the feedback. This show was a lot of fun. Yes, the stage was in the round, just like Lil Wayne’s gig, just much, much larger! The good thing was that there was much more clearance between the barricade, so it was very easy to get around.
Celso,
Thanks again! Glad to hear it.
Daniel:
Thanks for the feedback. Rob was a spectacular subject in all truth, and put on a fantastic performance. The massive hair whips certainly didn’t hurt anything!
Jeremy:
While the spotlights were fairly contrasty, there was generally enough coverage from different directions to help fill in some of the shadows. Thanks for the comment.
Dan,
The response to this set has been amazing, I didn’t expect to get so many comments. People do love Metallica!
By all means, I hope you get a pass when they make it to you! I’m not sure how tight the tour is, but there were a fair number of photographers shooting. I think that the size of the band of course had a big hand in this, but you might as well give it a shot! Good luck.
Hey Christine,
Thanks for the comment. I’m sure you’ll do great with this show – the conditions are perfect for concert photography. Low-ish stage, bright lights, long songs, and a world-famous band for your entertainment (and shooting pleasure).
Hey Todd, sorry so late getting back. The shoot went ok. I put a lot of pressure on myself to get ‘awesome’ and came away with less than what I normally would have..lol. I put them up in my gallery (I am in between galleries right now so I am using myspace) if you want to see them. You are right about the pass. I thought I was entering a marathon it was so big..lol.
Hey Kevin,
No worries, I just caught up on a bunch of replies myself. Just had a look, I love this one. Rob just looks nasty in that shot – and I mean that in the best possible way. Look at that guitar face!
Thanks Todd..lol. I hate how myspace makes things blurry but I am glad you could see through that..lol.
Wow, there pictures are incredible, great work!
THESE*
Stunning images as usual Todd! I’m a fan of your work, and would love to break into concert photography. So far, I’ve only managed to sneak into a few concerts by (a) using some jedi mind tricks, or (b) getting in with my friends in a local band. I must say, it’s probably the most fun i have with a camera. Any tips on how to break into the scene? Thanks and more power man.
Ku from the Philippines
Hey Matt, thanks very much!
Hey Kumanahan,
Thanks for the kind words. Check out the FAQ on this site for how I started shooting shows. Basically, local shows are a great way to start, they’ll let you build a portfolio and approach publications, who can get you into bigger shows.
Check it out, hope it helps.
Thanks Todd, will do! :)
good god man, your pictures are insane! i don’t even really like metallica, and these blew me away.
your work is supreme.
Thanks, Pilar, I really appreciate the kind words.
Made a slight tweak to my Metallica write-up to include a few more shooting notes: http://snurl.com/a6vd5
Hi Todd,
Gosh! I have been slow at my browsing around here. I just saw this set.
It is fantastic!Awesome shots!
The pictures have an intensity that makes you fell like you were there.
You rock!
Todd, as I said to you on Flickr, these shots are incredible – I’ve never seen better shots of Rob. I’ve finally got my photo pass accreditation through for tonight and Monday’s shows in England and I am besides myself with excitement. Me thinks the fisheye is going to get a serious work out whenever Rob comes my way! If I can capture half what you did on this show I will be delighted. I dont think it can get better than shooting Metallica in the round! Cheers, Neil
Hey Neil,
Nice to hear from you. That’s excellent news that you got credentials to shoot. You’re going to absolutely love it, but you don’t need me to tell you that. How did the first show go? Please send me a link, I’d like to see your shots.
[...] not uncommon for me to blast through upwards of 500 frames. One recent instance of this was on Metallica’s recent tour, which created fantastic conditions for concert [...]
@SteveGoudie @DarrenClark1971 Sweeet! Cheer Daz. This guy did an awesome job with them http://tinyurl.com/lsmq75 METALLLICAAAAAAA!!!!!
Hey Todd….
it’s amazing metallica shoot series….. they are my metal hero :p
i’m little courios about the metering system that you used for all of this picture….
and i’m really glad if u share to me……
thanks for that amazing picture Todd…….
i was fortunate to shoot this tour in anaheim, ca. i was wondering, were you successful with any shots from the first song? i was turning my dials left and right trying to get descent exposures. needless to say, the second, third and beginning of the fourth song stepped up!
love your site, thanks for all your insight!
always a fan
evil rose
[...] Trujillo of Metallica would be [...]
Awesome Set Todd, I love the last one. This is really a great capture.
Cheers, Sven
Hey Sven,
Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it.
An oldie but a goodie: Metallica on the Death Magnetic World Tour, updated with new images. http://bit.ly/dVUGU